The construction of Satellite Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Testing (MAIT) facility in Addis Ababa is set to begin by the Ethiopian government. This is the starting of second phase of the space development program in Ethiopia.

The government of Ethiopia has joined hands with Ariane Group, a French space company, for its construction. With the completion period of 30 months, this project is going to commence on January 2020.

Dr. Solomon Belay, Director General of Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI) said that Space Engineering Research and Development Directorate (SERDD), a division of ESSTI, will handle the facility once it’s completed. With more Ethiopian engineers involving in the project, SERDD will be responsible for the optimization of the facility to develop satellites and its components.

European Investment Bank (EIB) will also be contributing their efforts as a tripartite agreement with the Ariane Group and Ethiopian government in the project to make the project successful. Once the project put into operation, it will not only help Ethiopia to advance in space technology but to East Africa as a whole.

Along with it, Ethiopia has also undergoing project on a mechanical and electrical laboratory to support the research and development projects in the field of aerospace technology.

Posted on : 29 Jan,2020